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It is with great sadness we announce the loss of Daryl Thomas. Daryl was a beacon of light and positivity within the Academy, always with a smile on his face, always finding the positive within everyone he interacted with, and always willing to give a pat on the back or hug to a colleague or player who seemed down. His advice to players and colleagues will resonate for years to come. His rendition of warm-ups at all of his camps will be sorely missed as his booming voice would get everyone’s attention (both on the courts as well as on the turf) and the kids would laugh and challenge him to greater volume.

The 6-foot-7 forward was a McDonald’s All-American at St. Joseph High School in Westchester, IL and played for Indiana University from 1983 to 1987, averaging 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds during his four-year career. Thomas served as a two-time captain and earned All-Big Ten First Team recognition as a senior averaging 15.7 points per game helping the Hoosiers to their fifth national championship. In the 1987 national championship game, Thomas scored 20 points, had seven rebounds and assisted on Keith Smart’s game-winning shot to beat Syracuse.

Thomas played professionally overseas, but when his playing career ended he returned to Chicago and started coaching youth basketball. In addition to coaching at the Bulls/Sox Youth Academy, he was also the head coach at Montini Catholic High School since 2015.

He is survived by his wife, Marta, and their three children, Kayla, Kyle, and Adam.